Intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses and related systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Various intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses are disclosed. For example, an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens can include a first optical lens and multiple anchors. The first optical lens is configured to at least partially correct a residual refractive error in an eye. The anchors are configured to be inserted through an anterior surface of an intraocular lens into lens material forming a second optical lens of the intraocular lens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the intraocular lens. The anchors can be configured to couple the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to different types of intraocular lenses, including intraocular lenses not specifically designed to be coupled to or receive the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens could also include at least one drug-eluting device located on the first optical lens and configured to deliver at least one medication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/860,629 filed on Sep. 21, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/053,771 filed onSep. 22, 2014. These applications are hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to implantable optical devices. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to intraocular pseudophakiccontact lenses and related systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

In a normal human eye, light enters through the cornea and passesthrough the pupil, and the natural crystalline lens focuses the lightonto the retina of the eye. However, due to cataracts or other problems,the natural crystalline lens of an eye may need to be replaced with anartificial intraocular lens (IOL). The term “pseudophakia” is used todescribe an eye in which the natural crystalline lens has been replacedwith an intraocular lens.

Before an intraocular lens is placed into a patient's eye, a doctor orother personnel typically selects an intraocular lens that is designedto provide desired refractive correction for the patient's eye. Forexample, an intraocular lens could have an optical lens designed tocorrect myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness),astigmatism, or other refractive errors that occur naturally in thepatient's eye. However, it is often the case that the intraocular lensselected for a patient's eye does not fully correct (and may even cause)some form of refractive error in the patient's eye. This refractiveerror is referred to as “residual” refractive error.

There are various conventional options for correcting residualrefractive error, all of which have their disadvantages. For example,one intraocular lens in a patient's eye could be replaced with adifferent intraocular lens, but this typically has a high risk ofsurgical complications. Ablation surgery (such as LASIK) on the corneaof a patient's eye could be done to correct residual refractive error,but this can have a high level of unwanted side effects, particularlyfor older patients. An additional intraocular lens (often referred to asa “piggyback” IOL) could be inserted in front of an existing intraocularlens, but this is typically an invasive procedure with lesspredictability associated with the final refractive outcome. Inaddition, intracorneal lenses (ICLs) can be inserted into the cornea ofa patient's eye, but this is often more invasive and has a high degreeof rejection. In general, the above procedures are typically notpredictable and have a higher degree of surgical risk. Also, the devicesused in the above procedures are difficult to remove and “reverse” anyresidual refractive error, resulting in a higher risk of leaving thepatient with induced visual aberration.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses andrelated systems and methods.

In a first embodiment, an apparatus includes an intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens includes a firstoptical lens configured to at least partially correct a residualrefractive error in an eye, where the residual refractive error includesa refractive error that exists in the eye after implantation of anartificial intraocular lens in the eye. The intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens also includes multiple anchors configured to be insertedthrough an anterior surface of the artificial intraocular lens into lensmaterial forming a second optical lens of the artificial intraocularlens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to theartificial intraocular lens. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lensfurther includes multiple projections including extensions of the firstoptical lens such that the first optical lens and the projectionsinclude a common material, where the anchors are partially embedded inor are configured to pass through the extensions of the first opticallens. The artificial intraocular lens lacks predefined openings thatreceive the anchors. The anchors are configured to pierce the lensmaterial forming the second optical lens of the artificial intraocularlens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to theartificial intraocular lens. The anchors include substantially straightpins extending axially along an optical axis of the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens away from the first optical lens.

In a second embodiment, a system includes an intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens including a first optical lens configured to at leastpartially correct a residual refractive error in an eye, multipleanchors, and multiple projections including extensions of the firstoptical lens such that the first optical lens and the projectionsinclude a common material. The anchors are partially embedded in or areconfigured to pass through the extensions of the first optical lens. Thesystem also includes an artificial intraocular lens including a secondoptical lens, where the second optical lens is formed of lens material.The anchors are configured to be inserted through an anterior surface ofthe artificial intraocular lens into the lens material in order tosecure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the artificialintraocular lens. The artificial intraocular lens lacks predefinedopenings that receive the anchors. The anchors are configured to piercethe lens material forming the second optical lens of the artificialintraocular lens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens to the artificial intraocular lens. The anchors includesubstantially straight pins extending axially along an optical axis ofthe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens away from the first opticallens.

In a third embodiment, a method includes coupling an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens to an artificial intraocular lens. Theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens includes a first optical lensconfigured to at least partially correct a residual refractive error inan eye, multiple anchors, and multiple projections including extensionsof the first optical lens such that the first optical lens and theprojections include a common material. The anchors are partiallyembedded in or are configured to pass through the extensions of thefirst optical lens. Coupling the intraocular pseudophakic contact lensto the artificial intraocular lens includes inserting the multipleanchors through an anterior surface of the artificial intraocular lensinto lens material forming a second optical lens of the artificialintraocular lens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens to the artificial intraocular lens. The artificial intraocular lenslacks predefined openings that receive the anchors. The anchors areconfigured to pierce the lens material forming the second optical lensof the artificial intraocular lens in order to secure the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens to the artificial intraocular lens. Theanchors include substantially straight pins extending axially along anoptical axis of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens away from thefirst optical lens.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a first example intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens (IOPCL) according to this disclosure;

FIGS. 4 through 7 illustrate a second example intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens according to this disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a third example intraocular pseudophakic contact lensaccording to this disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth example intraocular pseudophakic contactlens according to this disclosure;

FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate an example intraocular lens (IOL)attached to an example intraocular pseudophakic contact lens accordingto this disclosure;

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an example intraocular lens and an exampleintraocular pseudophakic contact lens in a patient's eye according tothis disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example anchor for attaching an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens to an intraocular lens according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates example alignment markings that could be used withan intraocular pseudophakic contact lens according to this disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates an example drug-eluting matrix that could be usedwith an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates an example drug-eluting film that could be used withan intraocular pseudophakic contact lens according to this disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example drug-eluting ring that could be used withan intraocular pseudophakic contact lens according to this disclosure;

FIG. 20 illustrates an example intraocular pseudophakic contact lenshaving generally linear projections according to this disclosure;

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate example optical lenses having varyingthicknesses that could be used with an intraocular pseudophakic contactlens according to this disclosure;

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate example optical lenses having uneven weightdistributions that could be used with an intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens according to this disclosure;

FIG. 23 illustrate an example optical lens having a toric shape thatcould be used with an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens according tothis disclosure;

FIG. 24 illustrate an example optical lens having a non-spherical shapethat could be used with an intraocular pseudophakic contact lensaccording to this disclosure; and

FIG. 25 illustrates an example method for using an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens with an intraocular lens according to thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 25, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present invention in this patent documentare by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any wayto limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the principles of the invention may be implemented inany type of suitably arranged device or system.

This disclosure provides various intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses(IOPCLs) that can be used in conjunction with intraocular lenses (IOLs).An intraocular pseudophakic contact lens generally represents a contactlens-type device that can be implanted within a patient's eye and placedon the anterior surface of an intraocular lens in the patient's eye. Theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens substantially corrects residualrefractive error present after implantation of the intraocular lens,such as after a lensectomy (cataract) procedure.

Unlike conventional approaches, an intraocular pseudophakic contact lenscan be implanted with less surgical risk. Moreover, an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens allows a patient to see immediately afterimplantation of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens. Further, anintraocular pseudophakic contact lens can be easily replaced if adifferent lens is needed to correct residual refractive error or evenremoved if necessary. In addition, with techniques such asintraoperative wavefront aberrometry now available, refractive outcomecan be measured during the actual procedure in which an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens is being implanted, which helps to identifyimmediately that a desired refractive target is obtained.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a first example intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens (IOPCL) 100 according to this disclosure. In particular,FIG. 1 illustrates an oblique view of the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 100, FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100, and FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view ofthe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 along line A-A in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens100 includes an optical lens 102. The optical lens 102 denotes theportion of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 that alterslight passing through the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100. Thelight that passes through the optical lens 102 then travels through anassociated intraocular lens before reaching the retina of a patient'seye.

The optical lens 102 can be formed from any suitable material(s), suchas silicone or acrylic. The optical lens 102 can also be formed in anysuitable manner, such as by using a mold or lathe cut manufacturingprocess. Different lenses 102 can be designed and manufactured toprovide a wide range of diopters, and each optical lens 102 can bedesigned to correct any suitable refractive error(s). Example types ofrefractive errors that can be corrected include myopia, hyperopia, andastigmatism.

The optical lens 102 in this example has a convex top surface and aconcave bottom surface. However, the optical lens 102 can have any othersuitable shape, which could depend (at least in part) on the type ofrefractive error(s) being corrected. As particular examples, the opticallens 102 could be convex, concave, spherical, aspherical, toric,mono-focal, or multi-focal. The specific lens platform used as theoptical lens 102 in the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 can beselected to provide the desired refractive correction in a patient'seye. The optical lens 102 could also include various other features asneeded or desired, such as when the optical lens 102 is weighted (likeat its bottom) so that the optical lens 102 orients itself on anintraocular lens in a desired orientation (like for toric platforms) orwhen the optical lens 102 is tinted, is photochromic, or includes anultraviolet (UV) absorber.

Multiple projections 104 a-104 b extend from multiple sides of theoptical lens 102. The projections 104 a-104 b are used to retainmultiple anchors 106 a-106 b that extend below the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100. Each projection 104 a-104 b could beformed from any suitable material(s) and in any suitable manner. Forexample, the projections 104 a-104 b could represent portions of thematerial(s) forming the optical lens 102 and therefore representextensions of the optical lens 102 itself. However, this need not be thecase. For instance, the optical lens 102 could be placed within aretaining ring that is integral with or attached to the projections 104a-104 b, or the projections 104 a-104 b could be secured to the opticallens 102 itself using adhesive or other suitable connecting mechanism.Note that while two projections 104 a-104 b are shown here, theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 could include any number ofprojections, including a single projection.

The anchors 106 a-106 b are used to secure the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 100 to an intraocular lens. For example, after theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 is inserted into a patient'seye, a surgeon or other personnel could push the projections 104 a-104 bor other portion(s) of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100down onto an intraocular lens. This drives the anchors 106 a-106 bthrough the anterior (front) surface of the intraocular lens and helpsto secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 to theintraocular lens. Each anchor 106 a-106 b represents any suitablestructure for securing an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to anintraocular lens. In this example, the anchors 106 a-106 b representbarbed or ribbed pins, although other types of anchors could also beused, such as screw picks. Each anchor 106 a-106 b could be formed fromany suitable material(s) and in any suitable manner. Note that while twoanchors 106 a-106 b are shown here, the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 100 could include any number of anchors, including a single anchor.

In the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 of FIGS. 1 through 3,the anchors 106 a-106 b can be permanently embedded in the projections104 a-104 b of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100. However,this need not be the case.

FIGS. 4 through 7 illustrate a second example intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 400 according to this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4illustrates an oblique view of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens400, and FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 400. Also, FIG. 6 illustrates a cut-away view of theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 400 along line B-B in FIG. 5, andFIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 400.

As shown in FIGS. 4 through 7, the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens400 has various components that are the same as or similar to thoseforming the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100. For example, theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 400 includes an optical lens 402and multiple projections 404 a-404 b. Also, the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 400 is secured to an intraocular lens using multipleanchors 406 a-406 b. However, the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens400 here includes holes 408 a-408 b formed through the projections 404a-404 b, and the anchors 406 a-406 b are inserted through the holes 408a-408 b.

The optical lens 402 can be formed from any suitable material(s), suchas silicone or acrylic. The optical lens 402 can also be formed in anysuitable manner, such as by using a mold or lathe cut manufacturingprocess. Different lenses 402 can be designed and manufactured toprovide a wide range of diopters, and each optical lens 402 can bedesigned to correct any suitable refractive error(s). While the opticallens 402 in this example has a convex top surface and a concave bottomsurface, the optical lens 402 can have any other suitable shape, whichcould depend (at least in part) on the type of refractive error(s) beingcorrected. As particular examples, the optical lens 402 could be convex,concave, spherical, aspherical, toric, mono-focal, or multi-focal. Thespecific lens platform used as the optical lens 402 in the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 400 can be selected to provide the desiredrefractive correction in a patient's eye. The optical lens 402 couldalso include various other features as needed or desired, such as whenthe optical lens 402 is weighted (like at its bottom) so that theoptical lens 402 orients itself on an intraocular lens in a desiredorientation (like for toric platforms) or when the optical lens 402 istinted, is photochromic, or includes an ultraviolet (UV) absorber.

Each projection 404 a-404 b could be formed from any suitablematerial(s) and in any suitable manner. For example, the projections 404a-404 b could represent portions of the material(s) forming the opticallens 402 and therefore represent extensions of the optical lens 402itself. However, this need not be the case. For instance, the opticallens 402 could be placed within a retaining ring that is integral withor attached to the projections 404 a-404 b, or the projections 404 a-404b could be secured to the optical lens 402 itself using adhesive orother suitable connecting mechanism.

Each anchor 406 a-406 b represents any suitable structure for securingan intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to an intraocular lens. In thisexample, the anchors 406 a-406 b represent barbed or ribbed pins,although other types of anchors could also be used, such as screw picks.Each anchor 406 a-406 b could be formed from any suitable material(s)and in any suitable manner.

Each hole 408 a-408 b could have any suitable size, shape, anddimensions. Also, each hole 408 a-408 b could be formed in any suitablemanner. For example, in some embodiments, a hole 408 a-408 b could beformed through an associated projection 404 a-404 b after the projection404 a-404 b is formed, such as by using a mechanical or laser drill. Inother embodiments, each projection 404 a-404 b could be formed alreadyincluding the associated hole 408 a-408 b.

Note that while two projections 404 a-404 b, two anchors 406 a-406 b,and two holes 408 a-408 b are shown here, the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 400 could include any number of projections, anchors, andholes. Also, while each projection 404 a-404 b is shown as including asingle cylindrical hole 408 a-408 b, each projection 404 a-404 b couldinclude one or more holes of any suitable shape(s).

After the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 400 is inserted into apatient's eye, a surgeon or other personnel could place the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 400 onto an intraocular lens. Before, during,or after insertion of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 400, thesurgeon or other personnel could insert the anchors 406 a-406 b throughthe holes 408 a-408 b of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 400.The surgeon or other personnel can push the anchors 406 a-406 b or otherportion(s) of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 400 down ontothe intraocular lens, which drives the anchors 406 a-406 b through theanterior surface of the intraocular lens and helps to secure theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 400 to the intraocular lens.

FIG. 8 illustrates a third example intraocular pseudophakic contact lens800 according to this disclosure. This embodiment of the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 800 is similar in structure to the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 400. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens800 includes an optical lens 802, projections 804 a-804 b, and holes 808a-808 b configured to receive anchors. All of the discussion aboveregarding the optical lens 402, projections 404 a-404 b, and holes 408a-408 b apply to the corresponding components in FIG. 8.

In this example, the holes 808 a-808 b are angled to a larger degreecompared to the holes 408 a-408 b described above. The larger angle ofthe holes 808 a-808 b could be needed or desired in certaincircumstances. For instance, the larger angle of the holes 808 a-808 bcould be used to attach the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 800near the edge of an intraocular lens, where the anterior surface of theintraocular lens may be angled more.

While various prior approaches have secured an “add-on” lens to anintraocular lens, these prior approaches require a specific add-on lensto be designed for use with a specific intraocular lens and the specificintraocular lens to be designed for use with the specific add-on lens.That is, the add-on lens can only be used with a specific type ofintraocular lens, where that intraocular lens is designed specificallyfor use with that add-on lens. As particular examples, an add-on lensmay include haptics or other structures that are designed to mate withcorresponding structures of specific intraocular lenses, or anintraocular lens may have a recess designed to receive a specific typeof add-on lens. This can be problematic for a number of reasons. Forinstance, many patients already have existing intraocular lenses, and itmay be impractical or even dangerous to try to remove those existingintraocular lenses in order to implant new intraocular lenses that aredesigned for use with add-on lenses.

The embodiments of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses 100, 400,800 shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 can help to alleviate these problemssince the anchors of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses aredriven into the actual lens material forming an intraocular lens. Inother words, the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100, 400, 800need not be designed to work specifically with particular structures ofany specific intraocular lens. Rather, the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 100, 400, 800 can simply be sized so that, when theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100, 400, 800 is placed on anintraocular lens, its anchors can be driven into the lens material ofthe intraocular lens. This allows the intraocular pseudophakic contactlenses 100, 400, 800 to be used with a wide variety of intraocularlenses, including different types of intraocular lenses and includingexisting intraocular lenses already implanted into patients. There is noneed to remove an existing intraocular lens from a patient in order toinstall a new intraocular lens and an intraocular pseudophakic contactlens.

Moreover, the anchors of an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100,400, 800 could be easily removed from the lens material of anintraocular lens in order to remove the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 100, 400, 800 from the intraocular lens. Among other things, thisallows one intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to be removed andreplaced with a different intraocular pseudophakic contact lens if adifferent refractive correction is needed or desired.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth example intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 900 according to this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 900 includes an optical lens 902,which could be the same as or similar to the optical lenses describedabove. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 900 also includesprojections 904 a-904 b, which could be the same as or similar to theprojections described above.

Unlike the intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses described above, theprojections 904 a-904 b here are coupled to haptic loops 906 a-906 b.The haptic loops 906 a-906 b are used to secure the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 900 to portions 908 a-908 b of the capsularbag in a patient's eye. The haptic loops 906 a-906 b could be formedfrom any suitable material(s) and in any suitable manner. For example,the haptic loops 906 a-906 b could be formed from polyimide. Also, thehaptic loops 906 a-906 b could have any suitable size, shape, anddimensions. As particular examples, the haptic loops 906 a-906 b couldbe about 2 mm to about 4 mm in length. Also, if desired, the hapticloops 906 a-906 b could have an angled down posture (such as an angle ofabout 3°), which can help to provide easier anchoring to the anteriorcapsule wall.

Note that while two projections and two haptic loops are shown here, theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 900 could include any number ofprojections and haptic loops. Also, while not shown, a combination ofhaptic loops and anchors could be used in the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 900. For instance, the projections 904 a-904 b could becoupled to the haptic loops 906 a-906 b, and anchors could be insertedinto or embedded within the projections 904 a-904 b. As another example,one set of projections could be coupled to the haptic loops 906 a-906 b,and anchors could be inserted into or embedded within another set ofprojections.

Also note that while anchors and haptic loops are described above tocouple an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to an intraocular lens,any other suitable mechanisms could be used to attach an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens to an intraocular lens. For example, anintraocular pseudophakic contact lens could include an optical lens(with or without projections), and the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens could be held in place on an intraocular lens via surface tensionwith the anterior surface of the intraocular lens.

The various intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses described abovecould have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions. For example, theintraocular pseudophakic contact lenses could be made available in arange of diameters from about 4 mm to about 6 mm. Also, the intraocularpseudophakic contact lenses could be made available with varying basecurvatures for their optical lenses. Of course, an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens could also be custom designed for a particularpatient's eye, such as when one or more specific curvatures are neededto correct for residual refractive error in the particular patient'seye.

The intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses disclosed here can beimplanted non-invasively in patients' eyes and easily positioned onintraocular lenses. The implantation is non-invasive because anintraocular pseudophakic contact lens is being installed on the anteriorsurface of an intraocular lens, which is typically easily accessible bya surgeon or other personnel during an implantation procedure. Theimplantation is also non-invasive because some of the intraocularpseudophakic contact lenses can be attached to intraocular lenseswithout requiring attachment of the intraocular pseudophakic contactlenses to anatomical structures within the patients' eyes, such as tothe suculus of a patient's eye.

The non-invasive implantation and easy positioning of an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens provides a safe and effective refractivesurgical procedure to correct unwanted residual refractive error, suchas after a lensectomy procedure. As a refractive modality, theintraocular pseudophakic contact lenses contribute to a surgeon'sability to alter the current refractive error of a pseudophakic patientin an effort to adjust the patient's vision to achieve a finely-tuneddesired refraction. Specific examples of this functionality includeallowing adjustments to a patient's eye in order to achieve unilateralor bilateral emmetropia, to induce unilateral myopia to allow forintermediate and near visual function, to introduce multi-focality, andto treat unwanted residual astigmatism.

Although FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate examples of intraocularpseudophakic contact lens, various changes may be made to FIGS. 1through 9. For example, any combination of features shown in FIGS. 1through 9 could be used in a single intraocular pseudophakic contactlens, whether or not that specific combination of features is shown inthe figures or described above. Also, each intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens could include any suitable number of each component shownin the figure(s). In addition, while anchors and haptic loops are shownas being used on projections from optical lenses, anchors and hapticloops could instead be used directly with the optical lenses (such aswhen the optical lenses are larger than needed in order to correctresidual refractive errors).

FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate an example intraocular lens (IOL) 1000attached to an example intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100according to this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 10 illustrates anoblique view of the system, FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of thesystem, and FIG. 12 illustrates a cut-away view of the system along lineC-C in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the intraocular lens 1000 includes anoptical lens 1002 and multiple haptics 1004 a-1004 b. The optical lens1002 receives light entering the eye (including light that passesthrough the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100) and focuses thelight onto the retina of a patient's eye. The haptics 1004 a-1004 b helpto hold the optical lens 1002 in a desired position within a patient'seye. For example, the entire intraocular lens 1000 could be placedwithin the capsular bag of a patient's eye, and the haptics 1004 a-1004b could contact the inner walls of the capsular bag to hold the opticallens 1002 in the desired position.

As shown in FIGS. 10 through 12, the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 100 has been placed on the intraocular lens 1000, and the anchors106 a-106 b of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 have beendriven through the anterior surface of the intraocular lens 1000 intolens material 1006 of the optical lens 1002. As noted above, thissecures the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 to the intraocularlens 1000. Moreover, this can be done without requiring the intraocularlens 1000 to be designed specifically for use with the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100 and without requiring the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100 to be designed specifically for use withthe intraocular lens 1000.

This can be advantageous in various circumstances, such as when theintraocular lens 1000 has already been implanted into a patient's eyeand cannot be removed without excessive surgical risks or cannot beremoved at all (such as due to long-standing pseudophakia). Also, if theselected intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 does not remedyresidual refractive error or if the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 100 actually creates additional refractive error, the anchors 106a-106 b can be extracted from the lens material 1006 in order to removethe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 from the intraocular lens1000. A different intraocular pseudophakic contact lens could then beplaced on the intraocular lens 1000 in the same or similar manner.

Note that in FIG. 12, outer portions of the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 100 are actually driven into the lens material 1006.However, this is not required. Moreover, in FIG. 12, only the outerportions of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 are contactingthe lens material 1006, and the remaining lower surface of the opticallens 102 in the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 is spacedapart from the lens material 1006. However, it is possible for more (orsubstantially all) of the lower surface of the optical lens 102 in theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 to contact the lens material1006.

Although FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate one example of an intraocularlens attached to one example of an intraocular pseudophakic contactlens, various changes may be made to FIGS. 10 through 12. For example,the intraocular lens 1000 could be attached to any other intraocularpseudophakic contact lens, such as the contact lens 400 or 800 describedabove. Also, there are a number of intraocular lenses available, and theintraocular lens 1000 represents one specific type of intraocular lens.Intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses could be coupled to any othersuitable intraocular lenses.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an example intraocular lens 1000 and anexample intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 in a patient's eye1300 according to this disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the eye1300 includes a cornea 1302, a sclera 1304, and an iris 1306. The cornea1302 represents the clear front portion of the eye 1300 through whichlight passes to enter into the eye 1300. The sclera 1304 is the toughouter white portion of the eye. The iris 1306 controls the size of theeye's pupil to thereby control the amount of light from the cornea 1302that enters into the interior of the eye 1300.

The eye 1300 also includes a capsular bag 1308, which typically holdsthe natural crystalline lens of the eye 1300. However, in this example,the natural crystalline lens has been removed and replaced with theintraocular lens 1000. The haptics 1004 a-1004 b of the intraocular lens1000 help to hold the intraocular lens 1000 within the capsular bag 1308so that the optical lens 1002 of the intraocular lens 1000 is in adesired position within the eye.

An intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100 has also been placed on theintraocular lens 1000 within the capsular bag 1308. The intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100 is placed on the anterior surface of theintraocular lens 1000, meaning the front surface of the intraocular lens1000 with respect to the eye 1300. Light enters through the cornea 1302and passes through the pupil before entering the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100, which modifies the light. The modifiedlight then passes through the optical lens 1002 of the intraocular lens1000 and is again modified. The twice-modified light then travelsthrough the remainder of the eye 1300 to reach the retina at the back ofthe eye 1300.

By properly selecting the optical lens 102 of the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100, the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens100 can ideally correct any residual refractive error that remains afterimplantation of the intraocular lens 1000. If necessary, the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100 can also be removed and replaced with adifferent intraocular pseudophakic contact lens if the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens 100 does not properly correct the residualrefractive error or if the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 100actually causes additional refractive errors.

Although FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate one example of an intraocular lensand one example of an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens in apatient's eye, various changes may be made to FIGS. 13 and 14. Forexample, the intraocular lens 1000 could be attached to any otherintraocular pseudophakic contact lens, such as the contact lens 400 or800 described above. Also, there are a number of intraocular lensesavailable, and an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens could be coupledto any other suitable intraocular lens in the eye 1300. In addition,some intraocular lenses need not reside within the capsular bag of aneye, in which case the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens would alsonot reside within the capsular bag of the eye.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example anchor 1500 for attaching an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens to an intraocular lens according to thisdisclosure. The anchor 1500 could, for example, be used in conjunctionwith any of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses described above.

As shown in FIG. 15, the anchor 1500 includes a head 1502 and a shaft1504. The head 1502 represents the top of the anchor 1500 and is largerthan the shaft 1504, although this need not be the case depending on howthe anchor 1500 is used (such as when the head 1502 is embedded in aprojection). The shaft 1504 extends downward from the head 1502 to asharp tip 1506. The tip 1506 is designed to be inserted into lensmaterial of an intraocular lens. The shaft 1504 also includes a barbedor ribbed section 1508, which is designed to be inserted into the lensmaterial of the intraocular lens and resist (but not necessarilyprevent) removal of the shaft 1504 from the lens material of theintraocular lens. This helps to secure an intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens to the lens material of the intraocular lens while stillallowing removal of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens from apatient's eye if needed or desired.

Although FIG. 15 illustrates one example of an anchor 1500 for attachingan intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to an intraocular lens, variouschanges may be made to FIG. 15. For example, an anchor could be usedwithout any larger head or without any barbed or ribbed section. Also,any other suitable anchor(s) could be used to attach an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens to an intraocular lens.

FIGS. 16 through 24 illustrate example additional features that could beused with an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens according to thisdisclosure. None, one, or any suitable combination of these featurescould be used with an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens, includingany of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses described above.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of an intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 1600 that includes an optical lens 1602 and projections 1604 a-1604b, which may be the same as or similar to the corresponding componentsdescribed above. While not shown, the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 1600 also includes multiple holes configured to receive multipleanchors.

In addition, the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 1600 includesalignment markings 1606 a-1606 b. The alignment markings 1606 a-1606 bgenerally identify the desired or optimal positioning of the anchorsonce inserted through the holes. For example, the optical lens 1602 andthe projections 1604 a-1604 b could be substantially transparent, soanchors inserted into the projections 1604 a-1604 b and exitingunderneath the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 1600 could bevisible from over the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 1600. Thealignment markings 1606 a-1606 b can be used by a surgeon or otherpersonnel to help ensure that the anchors are being inserted straightinto the underlying lens material of an intraocular lens, rather thanbeing inserted crooked into the underlying lens material of theintraocular lens or even missing the lens material altogether. Inaddition, these markers 1606 a-1606 b can be used to identify therefractive correction (cylinder) in a toric application to allow thesurgeon or other personnel to orientate the optical lens 1602 at adesired axis.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 1700 that includes an optical lens 1702 and projections 1704 a-1704b, which may be the same as or similar to the corresponding componentsdescribed above. While the projections 1704 a-1704 b are shown as havingholes configured to receive multiple anchors, this may not be required,such as when tops of the anchors are embedded in the projections 1704a-1704 b.

The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 1700 also includes adrug-eluting matrix 1706 formed on at least part of the optical lens1702. The drug-eluting matrix 1706 in this example represents smallareas where at least one medication has been deposited on the opticallens 1702, possibly within a gel or other mechanism that controls therelease of the medication. Once implanted, the drug-eluting matrix 1706releases the medication into a patient's eye.

Any suitable medication could be deposited on the optical lens 1702,such as (but not limited to) medication for treating glaucoma oruveitis. The deposition could have any suitable pattern and can be donein any suitable manner. For example, the medication could be depositedin an annular pattern, such as a ring about 0.5 mm thick, with anaperture or “donut hole” in the center of the pattern. Other depositionscould be used, such as a “slit design” in the optical center of theoptical lens 1702 allowing for enhanced vision with optical advantages(like increased depth of focus, cylinder reduction, or treatment ofunwanted aberration).

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of an intraocular pseudophakic contactlens 1800 that includes an optical lens 1802 and projections 1804 a-1804b, which may be the same as or similar to the corresponding componentsdescribed above. While the projections 1804 a-1804 b are shown as havingholes configured to receive multiple anchors, this may not be required,such as when tops of the anchors are embedded in the projections 1804a-1804 b.

The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 1800 also includes adrug-eluting film 1806 formed on at least part of the optical lens 1802.The film 1806 in this example represents a continuous area wheredrug-eluting material that can deliver at least one medication has beendeposited on the optical lens 1802. Any suitable medication could bedeposited on the optical lens 1802, and the deposition could have anysuitable pattern and can be done in any suitable manner. In thisexample, the medication is deposited in an annular pattern, such as aring about 0.5 mm in thickness. Other depositions could be used, such asa “slit design” in the optical center of the optical lens 1802 allowingfor enhanced vision with optical advantages. As a particular example,the film 1806 could represent a drug-eluting hydrogel.

FIG. 19 illustrates an oblique view of an intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 1900 that includes an optical lens 1902 and projections1904 a-1904 b, which may be the same as or similar to the correspondingcomponents described above. While the projections 1904 a-1904 b areshown as having holes configured to receive multiple anchors, this maynot be required, such as when tops of the anchors are embedded in theprojections 1904 a-1904 b.

The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 1900 also includes adrug-eluting ring 1906 formed along at least part of the edge of theoptical lens 1902. The ring 1906 elutes at least one medication into apatient's eye once implanted. The ring 1906 may or may not be continuousaround the entire optical lens 1902. In some embodiments, one or morerings 1906 could be used, where each ring is about 3 mm in length byabout 0.5 mm in width. In particular embodiments, the ring 1906 couldrepresent a polyimide or other reservoir formed along the edge of theoptical lens 1902.

Note that FIGS. 17 through 19 have illustrated specific examples ofdrug-eluting structures for an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens.However, any other suitable type or types of drug-eluting structure(s)could be used at one or more locations of an intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cut-away view of an intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens 2000 that includes an optical lens 2002, which may be thesame as or similar to the corresponding components described above.Also, the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 2000 includes multipleprojections 2004 a-2004 b. In the examples described above, projectionshave extended away from an associated optical lens at opposing angles,which could allow for a natural opposing force that helps to ensure theforward permanent placement of anchors into the anterior surface of anintraocular lens. However, this may not be required, and the projections2004 a-2004 b of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 2000 in FIG.20 are generally linear with respect to one another. Holes 2006 a-2006 bthrough the projections 2004 a-2004 b could be formed straight up anddown as shown in FIG. 20 or angled (such as in FIG. 19), which helps todirect the anchors inward toward a central axis of the optical lens2002.

FIGS. 21A through 24 illustrate examples of various optical lenses thatcould be included in an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens. However,any other suitable optical lenses could be used in an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens. In FIGS. 21A and 21B, optical lenses 2100 and2150 of varying thicknesses are shown. The optical lens 2100 has alarger central thickness and is generally spherical on both top and onbottom. The optical lens 2150 has a smaller central thickness and issomewhat flattened on top.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate examples of optical lens 2200 and 2250 thatinclude enlarged portions 2202 and 2252, respectively. The enlargedportions 2202 and 2252 have greater weights than other correspondingportions of the optical lenses 2200 and 2250, which causes the opticallenses 2200 and 2250 to move into the orientations shown in FIGS. 22Aand 22B due to the larger weights of the enlarged portions 2202 and2252. In other words, the optical lenses 2200 and 2250 have unevenweight distributions around central axes of the optical lenses 2200 and2250. This can be useful, for example, when the optical lenses 2200 and2250 are aspherical and need to have a particular orientation to correcta specific refractive error (such as astigmatism) in a patient's eye.The enlarged portions 2202 and 2252 could denote any enlarged portion ofan optical lens, such as an enlarged edge of the optical lens in onequadrant of the optical lens.

In FIG. 22A, the enlarged portion 2202 has top and bottom surfacesgenerally even with top and bottom surfaces at an edge of the opticallens 2200. FIG. 22B shows a transparent image with the optic edgeemphasized. Each of the enlarged portions 2202 and 2252 represents aweighted edge that allows the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens 2200and 2250 to align a cylinder correction at a required axis, giving wayto better stability and avoiding unwanted rotation.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example optical lens 2300 in which the lens 2300represents a tonic lens. A tonic lens refers to a lens having differentoptical powers and focal lengths in different perpendicularorientations. This can be seen in FIG. 23, where a top surface 2302 ofthe optical lens 2300 is curved in one direction (perpendicular to thefigure) and a bottom surface 2304 of the optical lens 2300 is curved ina perpendicular direction (left-to-right in the figure).

FIG. 24 illustrates an example non-spherical optical lens 2400supporting multi-focality. In FIG. 24, the optical lens 2400 includes acentral region 2402 and one or more annular regions 2404-2406 thatsurround the spherical region 2402. Different regions 2402-2406 can bedesigned to provide different refractive powers. For example, some ofthe regions 2402-2406 could be designed for near vision, while others ofthe regions 2402-2406 could be designed for far vision.

In general, a wide variety of optical lenses can be used in intraocularpseudophakic contact lenses in order to provide desired refractivecorrections for patients with residual refractive errors. One or moreintraocular pseudophakic contact lenses for a specific patient could beselected or designed based on the type(s) of refractive correctionneeded in the patient's eye(s).

Although FIGS. 16 through 24 illustrate examples of additional featuresthat could be used with an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens,various changes may be made to FIGS. 16 through 24. For example, eachintraocular pseudophakic contact lens or optical lens could include anynumber of each feature shown for that intraocular pseudophakic contactlens or optical lens. Also, other or additional features could be usedwith the intraocular pseudophakic contact lenses described above.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example method 2500 for using an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens with an intraocular lens according to thisdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 25, residual refractive error in apatient's eye having an intraocular lens is identified at step 2502.This could include, for example, personnel testing the patient's visionand identifying any refractive error that remains after implantation ofthe intraocular lens 1000. The testing could be done in any suitablemanner, such as by using intraoperative wavefront aberrometry. One goalof the testing can be to identify what refractive errors exist in thepatient's eye after implantation of the intraocular lens in thepatient's eye. This testing could be performed at any suitable time,such as after a lensectomy procedure.

An intraocular pseudophakic contact lens is selected to (ideally)correct the identified residual refractive error at step 2504. Thiscould include, for example, personnel selecting an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens from a kit, where the selected intraocularpseudophakic contact lens has an optical lens that substantiallyneutralizes the identified residual refractive error. This could alsoinclude the personnel selecting an optical lens from a kit and insertingthe optical lens into an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens, wherethe selected optical lens substantially cancels the identified residualrefractive error. This could further include the personnel obtaining anintraocular pseudophakic contact lens having a custom-designed opticallens or obtaining a custom-designed optical lens for insertion into anintraocular pseudophakic contact lens, where the custom-designed opticallens substantially cancels the identified residual refractive error. Ingeneral, any mechanism can be used to obtain a suitable intraocularpseudophakic contact lens.

The selected intraocular pseudophakic contact lens is inserted into thepatient's eye at step 2506. This could include, for example, a surgeonor other personnel forming a small incision in the patient's eye andinserting the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens into the eye throughthe incision. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens can be rolled,folded, or otherwise reduced in cross-sectional size in order to insertthe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens through a smaller incision.

One or more anchors are used to secure the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens to an intraocular lens in the patient's eye at step 2508.This could include, for example, the surgeon or other personnel placingthe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens at a desired position (andpossibly in a desired orientation) on the intraocular lens. This couldalso include the surgeon or other personnel pushing down onto theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens or the anchors of the intraocularpseudophakic contact lens to push the anchors into the lens material ofthe intraocular lens in the patient's eye. This could further includeplacing haptic loops of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens aroundportions of the capsular bag in the patient's eye.

A vision test for the patient occurs at step 2510. The vision test couldbe done in any suitable manner, such as by using intraoperativewavefront aberrometry. This vision test could also be performed at anysuitable time, such as during the surgical procedure in which theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens is being implanted or after thesurgical procedure has been completed. A determination is made whetherthe tested vision is satisfactory at step 2512. This could include, forexample, personnel determining whether the patient's eye is stillexperiencing any residual refractive error and, if so, to what extent.

A determination is made whether to change the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens at step 2514. This could include, for example, thepersonnel and the patient determining whether the remaining residualrefractive error (if any) is inconvenient or otherwise problematic forthe patient. If so, different steps could be taken to try and fix theproblem. For instance, the currently-implanted intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens could be repositioned to adjust for cylinder axiscorrection. If that fails, another intraocular pseudophakic contact lensis selected at step 2516. This could include, for example, personnelselecting another intraocular pseudophakic contact lens that (ideally)provides a better refractive correction for the patient's eye comparedto the currently-inserted intraocular pseudophakic contact lens. Thecurrently-inserted intraocular pseudophakic contact lens is removed fromthe patient's eye at step 2518. This could include, for example, thesurgeon or other personnel removing the anchors of thecurrently-inserted intraocular pseudophakic contact lens from the lensmaterial of the intraocular lens and removing the currently-insertedintraocular pseudophakic contact lens from the patient's eye. Theprocess then returns to step 2506, where the newly-selected intraocularpseudophakic contact lens can be inserted into the patient's eye and thevision test can be repeated.

Although FIG. 25 illustrates one example of a method 2500 for using anintraocular pseudophakic contact lens with an intraocular lens, variouschanges may be made to FIG. 25. For example, while shown as a series ofsteps, various steps in FIG. 25 could overlap, occur in parallel, occurin a different order, or occur any number of times.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase“associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include,be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within,connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperatewith, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. Thephrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means thatdifferent combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used,and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least oneof: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, Aand B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

The description in this patent document should not be read as implyingthat any particular element, step, or function is an essential orcritical element that must be included in the claim scope. Also, none ofthe claims is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to anyof the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “meansfor” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followedby a participle phrase identifying a function. Use of terms such as (butnot limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,”“element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,”“processing device,” or “controller” within a claim is understood andintended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevantart, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claimsthemselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generallyassociated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodimentsand methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the above description of example embodiments does not define orconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an intraocularpseudophakic contact lens comprising: a first optical lens configured toat least partially correct a residual refractive error in an eye, theresidual refractive error comprising a refractive error that exists inthe eye after implantation of an artificial intraocular lens in the eye;multiple anchors configured to be inserted through an anterior surfaceof the artificial intraocular lens into lens material forming a secondoptical lens of the artificial intraocular lens in order to secure theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the artificial intraocularlens; and multiple projections comprising extensions of the firstoptical lens such that the first optical lens and the projectionscomprise a common material, the anchors partially embedded in orconfigured to pass through the extensions of the first optical lens;wherein the artificial intraocular lens lacks predefined openings thatreceive the anchors; wherein the anchors are configured to pierce thelens material forming the second optical lens of the artificialintraocular lens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens to the artificial intraocular lens; and wherein the anchorscomprise substantially straight pins extending axially along an opticalaxis of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens away from the firstoptical lens.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchors areconfigured to couple the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens todifferent types of artificial intraocular lenses, including artificialintraocular lenses not specifically designed to be coupled to or receivethe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: at least one drug-eluting device located on thefirst optical lens and configured to deliver at least one medication. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extensions of the first opticallens forming the projections extend away from the optical axis of theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens at opposing angles.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each anchor comprises a head that isembedded in one of the projections.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein: each of the projections comprises one or more holes; and theanchors are configured to be inserted into and pass through the holes.7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pins comprise barbed or ribbedpins.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first optical lens has anuneven weight distribution around a central axis of the first opticallens in order to cause the first optical lens to obtain a specifiedorientation with respect to the artificial intraocular lens.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first optical lens is mono-focal orspherical.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first optical lensis multi-focal or non-spherical.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first optical lens is configured such that, when the anchors securethe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the artificial intraocularlens: an outer portion of a surface of the first optical lens contactsthe lens material of the second optical lens; and a remaining portion ofthe surface of the first optical lens remains spaced apart from the lensmaterial of the second optical lens.
 12. A system comprising: anintraocular pseudophakic contact lens comprising: a first optical lensconfigured to at least partially correct a residual refractive error inan eye; multiple anchors; and multiple projections comprising extensionsof the first optical lens such that the first optical lens and theprojections comprise a common material, the anchors partially embeddedin or configured to pass through the extensions of the first opticallens; and an artificial intraocular lens comprising a second opticallens, the second optical lens formed of lens material; wherein theanchors are configured to be inserted through an anterior surface of theartificial intraocular lens into the lens material in order to securethe intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the artificial intraocularlens; wherein the artificial intraocular lens lacks predefined openingsthat receive the anchors; wherein the anchors are configured to piercethe lens material forming the second optical lens of the artificialintraocular lens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contactlens to the artificial intraocular lens; and wherein the anchorscomprise substantially straight pins extending axially along an opticalaxis of the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens away from the firstoptical lens.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the artificialintraocular lens is not specifically designed to be coupled to orreceive the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens.
 14. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising: at least one drug-eluting device locatedon the first optical lens and configured to deliver at least onemedication.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the anchors extendinward from the projections at opposing angles toward the optical axisof the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens and away from the firstoptical lens.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein: each of theprojections comprises one or more holes; and the anchors are configuredto be inserted into and pass through the holes.
 17. The system of claim16, wherein the first optical lens comprises alignment markingsconfigured to identify optimal positions for insertion of the anchorsinto the lens material, the alignment markings and the anchors bothvisible during insertion of the anchors into the lens material.
 18. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the first optical lens has an uneven weightdistribution around a central axis of the first optical lens in order tocause the first optical lens to obtain a specified orientation withrespect to the artificial intraocular lens.
 19. The system of claim 12,wherein the first optical lens is configured such that, when the anchorssecure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the artificialintraocular lens: an outer portion of a surface of the first opticallens contacts the lens material of the second optical lens; and aremaining portion of the surface of the first optical lens remainsspaced apart from the lens material of the second optical lens.
 20. Amethod comprising: coupling an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens toan artificial intraocular lens; wherein the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens comprises: a first optical lens configured to at leastpartially correct a residual refractive error in an eye; multipleanchors; and multiple projections comprising extensions of the firstoptical lens such that the first optical lens and the projectionscomprise a common material, the anchors partially embedded in orconfigured to pass through the extensions of the first optical lens;wherein coupling the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to theartificial intraocular lens comprises inserting the multiple anchorsthrough an anterior surface of the artificial intraocular lens into lensmaterial forming a second optical lens of the artificial intraocularlens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to theartificial intraocular lens; wherein the artificial intraocular lenslacks predefined openings that receive the anchors; wherein the anchorsare configured to pierce the lens material forming the second opticallens of the artificial intraocular lens in order to secure theintraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the artificial intraocularlens; and wherein the anchors comprise substantially straight pinsextending axially along an optical axis of the intraocular pseudophakiccontact lens away from the first optical lens.